Worthixgton



(ModeL) W. BROWN.

BUSTLE. No. 350,111. Patented Oct. 5, 1886.

iJNiTED STATES PATENT EEtcE.

IVORTHINGTON BROIVN, ()F CHILLICOTHE, MO, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGYMEXTS, TO EMERSON C. FELTON, OF CHICAGO, ILTi.

BUSTLE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 350,111, dated October 5, 1886.

Serial No. [60,317. (Modem To all whom it may concern:

lie it known that I, \VORTHINGTON BROWN, a citizenot'the United States, residing at Chillieothe, in the countyot'Livingston and State of Missouri, have invented certain new and use ful Improvements in Bnstles, of which t'he-t'ol lowing is a specification.

My invention is a bustle consisting of a series of metallic forms arranged to constitute a metallic frame flattened at one or more sides and contraeted at the ends, as fully set forth hereinafter, and as illustrated in the aecompanying drawings, in which- Figure l is a perspeetive view of my improved bustle, showing one form in which it ean be made. Figs. 2and 8 are eross-sectional views, one near the eenter and the other near the end. Fig. 4c is a side view; Fig. 5, a View illust rating the position of the bustle upon the person of the wearer. Figs. (5 and 7 are sectionai views illustrating modifieations. Fig. 8 is a side view illustrating another modifieation. Fig. 9 is a perspeetive view illustrating another inodifieation.

Thebustle eonsists of a series of wire forms, (1, arranged side by side and gradually diminishing in size toward each end of the bustle, and so connected together as to be retained relatively in plaee. These forms may eonsist ezlt'll ot' a separate wire or strip bent to the propershape and seemed to a eonncetingstrip, I), as shown in Fig. 9. I prefer, however, in most instances. to make all the forms from a single strip of wire bent to eonstitutc a eou tinnous wire frame somewhat likean ordinary spiral spring, but different from the latter in the shape and varying size of the spirals, as shown in Figs. 1 to-T.

The forms (I, whether consisting of separate pieces or made from one continuous strip, are preferably flat upon one or two sides, as at B U. Figs. 2, 3. 6, and 7, and curved upon another side, (I. hen there are two flattened sides, as in Figs. 2 and 8, each form is of approximately a triangularshape. When there is but one side flattened, as in Figs. (3 and 7. the form approximates a semieircnlar shape. I

I have referred to the sides being flattened. They need not be absolutely straight, however,

body without causing it to bind too tightily,and without separating the eoils to too great an 0X- tent, I in some instances extend through the frame an elastic band or spring, F, which may be made of any suitable material, a band be-- ing shown. in Fig. 1, and a metal spiral spring in Fig. 8, the latter figure also showing the bustle-frame as being composed of two series of forms made by arranging in juxtaposition two eoiled wires of approximately the same shape, thus giving greater stiffness to the ar ticle.

The bustle thus constructed when applied to the body below or at the waist, substantially in the position shown in Fig. 5, serves to project the dress of the wearer and support the same in its position, while at the same time itis yielding, so asto not eause discomfort to the wearer when seated or leaning against a sta tionary object. .It will also be seen that a bus tle of this construction is light in weight, not liable to get soiled or to injure the clothing, and that it can be cheaply manufactured.

When it is desired to throw the bustle farther from the body or give a greater pitch to the clothing, the fastening tapes or hands G may be conneeted to the frame at the corners :1, which causes the frame to oecupy a different position upon the body and produce the desired effect. In some instances the wire may be eoated or covered with thread, or the entire frame may be inclosed in a fabric covering.

The wire of which the frame is composed may be ordinary round wircior flat strips.

\Vithout limiting myself to the precise con struction and arrangement of parts shown and described, I elaim 1. A bustle consisting of a series of forms of an approximate triangular shape, each form constructed of wire and slightly curved inwardly at one or more sides and outwardly curved at the other, and all flexibly connected together to form a frame diminishing in thickness from the center toward the ends, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. A bustle consisting of a frame composed of wire bent to form coils of an approximate triangular shape, flexibly connected together, 10 and constituting a flexible frame diminishing in size from the center toward each end, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two sub- 1 scribing, witnesses.

\VORTHINGTON BROVN.

Witnesses:

W. H. llICLAUGI-ILIN, O. CLARENCE PooLn. 

